A United Front for Their Son

The knock on the door was followed by Principal Thorne's hesitant entrance. His face was flushed, and sweat beaded on his forehead as he avoided meeting Adrian's eyes.

"Mr. Valois, we've brought Leo as you requested." His voice wavered slightly.

Adrian's fingers remained intertwined with mine as he turned to face the principal. "Good. And I expect a thorough explanation of today's events."

Principal Thorne straightened his tie nervously. "Of course. Please understand we have a zero-tolerance policy for violence—"

"And do you also have a zero-tolerance policy for investigating the full story?" I cut in, surprising myself with my boldness. Adrian's thumb pressed approvingly against my wrist.

The principal's lips thinned. "Mrs. Valois, with all due respect—"

"My wife raises an excellent point," Adrian interrupted smoothly. The word 'wife' rolled off his tongue as if he'd been saying it for years. "A child doesn't simply become violent without cause."